TNAG-1273-FCO40-1623-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 93

CONFIDENTIAL

CALL BY MR HARTLING, UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, 14 APRIL

POINTS TO MAKE

GENERAL

1.

Congratulations on Mr Hartling's re-appointment.

UK SUPPORT FOR UNHCR

2. Keen to continue substantial support. In response to recent appeals, gave £1.7 million for Afghan refugees and substantial food aid for Sudan.

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG

3. Great difficulties faced by Hong Kong as a result of declining resettlement opportunities.

Favour joint approach with UNHCR and major resettlement countries (US, Canada, Australia and France) to Vietnamese to point out difficulties caused by indiscriminate exodus, and to increase orderly departures.

Also hope resettlement countries can take more from Hong Kong and not reject applicants as economic migrants. Do UNHCR regard boat people as genuine refugees? they help by pressing this view on USA, etc?

BRITISH QUOTA (DEFENSIVE)

4.

If so, can

Britain not popular destination for Vietnamese refugees. We accept family reunions and those rescued by UK shipping. (Hartling also seeing Mr Whitelaw.)

CLOSED CENTRES IN HONG KONG (DEFENSIVE)

5.

Closed Centres temporary but regrettable necessity. Grateful for UNHCR's continued help and advice.

CONFIDENTIAL

/ESSENTIAL FACTS